My Speech at the School Board June 25, 2024
Teachers play a vital role in education, serving not just as experts in their subjects, but also as caretakers for students during a significant portion of their day. Our entry into this profession is driven by a passion to nourish young minds, treating our students with the same affection we have for our own children. Often, teachers be
Teachers play a vital role in education, serving not just as experts in their subjects, but also as caretakers for students during a significant portion of their day. Our entry into this profession is driven by a passion to nourish young minds, treating our students with the same affection we have for our own children. Often, teachers become the primary role models for students facing challenges outside of school. We recognize the crucial need to keep students engaged in school activities for as long as possible, because for many, the school environment is their safest haven. Yet, despite these responsibilities, teachers lack sufficient support for their own mental health. As we become a source of support for our students, the question arises: to whom can we, the teachers, turn for support?
Additionally, women make up about 75% of teachers in the United States. Despite Florida state employees being entitled to both maternity and paternity leave, our teachers are not afforded this paid benefit. They must use their own vacation days while on leave to be paid. The country is currently experiencing a shortage of teachers, a situation that has been developing over time and was merely accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Teachers are not exiting their chosen profession—the one they were passionate enough about to pursue in college, for which they paid tuition and incurred loans—because they have lost interest in teaching. Rather, they are leaving due to burnout. They feel underappreciated and lack the necessary resources to sustain their careers. Teachers nationwide are coming to the realization that they can find alternative employment where their skills are more valued, their time respected, and where they have a better capability to support their families.
Amidst a pressing teacher shortage, Florida has emerged as one of the most rapidly expanding states in the country, with over 1 million individuals relocating here in 2023. My objective is to support the existing educators in Bay County. Teachers are the backbone of our educational system; it is time we honor them as such. Let's strive to position Bay County at the forefront of public school education in Florida. Both our students and teachers deserve nothing but the finest. As the population surges, let's transform Bay County into the most attractive place for educators to work!
Regardless of political views, every student and employee within the Bay County School District has the right to a safe environment. While every student is entitled to a free public education, not all have access to the necessary resources to achieve this. It is imperative that we foster an equitable atmosphere in our schools, ensuring e
Regardless of political views, every student and employee within the Bay County School District has the right to a safe environment. While every student is entitled to a free public education, not all have access to the necessary resources to achieve this. It is imperative that we foster an equitable atmosphere in our schools, ensuring every student, no matter their socio-economic background or academic level, can thrive alongside their classmates. With the country facing a severe mental health crisis, we must protect our students from being targeted for their beliefs as they pursue their education. It is crucial for all staff to be vigilant about the signs of bullying and harassment, maintaining both the mental and physical safety of our students. We need to listen to the concerns of parents who are advocating for the safety of their children. If students do not feel safe, they cannot fully engage and succeed in their education.
Teachers understand that the classroom acts as an extension of the broader community. Each class within the same school operates uniquely. Every student deserves to feel valued and welcomed in their learning environment, where the classroom culture supports them in becoming their best selves. Students who are valued flourish, fostering s
Teachers understand that the classroom acts as an extension of the broader community. Each class within the same school operates uniquely. Every student deserves to feel valued and welcomed in their learning environment, where the classroom culture supports them in becoming their best selves. Students who are valued flourish, fostering strong friendships in the process. Moreover, when teachers are valued and everyone feels secure, the whole classroom community prospers. Paulo Freire highlighted the importance of presenting students with problems that connect to their lives and the wider world, prompting them to feel responsible for addressing these issues. This approach leads students to see challenges not in isolation, but as interconnected with broader issues, fostering critical engagement among them instead of detachment. Let's empower our students to think critically and cultivate a generation of leaders for tomorrow, starting today!
Video from my Meet and Greet on July 6 at Victoria's Last Bite.
Video from August 6, 2024
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